Layoffs possible at NWCC

Northwest Community college’s recent million-dollar-plus deficit means possible lay offs, but no words yet as to where they will occur. The college has campuses in Queen Charlotte and Masset and has run the Haida Gwaii Field school, a program offering university credit field classes from Mount Moresby camp.The college is forecasting a $2 million deficit in the 2012/13 fiscal year if it doesn’t make adjustments, said Dr. Denise Henning, NWCC President and CEO.”NWCC is required by law to balance its budget, she said. “We are confident that we will deliver a balanced budget and address our fiscal challenges.”The college’s operating grant from the government has remained the same, approximately $17.5 million, over the last three years, she said, and is not taking inflation into account.”The administration will continue to work proactively with union and student leaders to ensure that as we address our fiscal realities, the quality and high standards that have been set at NWCC are not eroded.”Dr. Henning said management and unions have been consulting to “identify ways to mitigating layoffs while still resolving our deficit.” They are considering options such as cutting departmental budgets, cancelling under-enrolled sections, cost-cutting options and “increasing revenue expectations”.”There will be some employee lay offs, however no final decision regarding these lay offs have been made,” said Dr. Henning. “We are working closely with our unions to mitigate layoffs where possible. No final decisions regarding impacts at any NWCC campus have been made”Dr. Ken Leslie is no longer in the position of Director of Education, Haida Gwaii, which predates these potential lay offs.